In a surprising turn of events, Jack Grealish has not been included in Manchester City‘s 27-man squad for the upcoming Club World Cup. This exclusion raises eyebrows and invites speculation about the player’s future with the Premier League giants.
Despite being one of the highest-profile signings in Premier League history, with a transfer fee of £100 million (approximately $135.4 million), Grealish finds himself on the sidelines as Pep Guardiola’s men prepare for their tournament campaign. What’s particularly noteworthy is that new recruits such as Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders were included in the squad, suggesting a shift in Guardiola’s tactical plans.
According to ESPN sources, Grealish has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Everton, as well as teams from abroad. However, it’s important to note that negotiations are still in the early stages. This hints that while there is interest in his services, a potential transfer is not imminent, leaving fans and pundits alike pondering what lies ahead for the talented winger.
Add to this the comments from Guardiola after the last Premier League match against Fulham, where he hinted that Grealish may need to explore opportunities elsewhere for regular playing time. This statement only adds fuel to the fire, suggesting that Grealish’s place in the squad might be more precarious than originally thought.
As Manchester City gears up for their Club World Cup campaign, they are set to face the Moroccan club Wydad AC in their opening match in Philadelphia on June 18. The absence of Grealish will be felt, especially considering the myriad of opportunities he provided during his tenure at the club. It’s a testament to how competitive the squad has become under Guardiola, with multiple players vying for limited spots.
Additionally, it’s not just Grealish who has been left out of the trip. Veteran defender Kyle Walker has also been omitted. Walker, who remains under contract until 2026, left City in January to join AC Milan on loan, further demonstrating the changing landscape of the City squad. In a season filled with high expectations, the absence of seasoned players alongside a high-value signing like Grealish raises questions about squad depth and player preferences.
Young talent James McAtee is also absent as he captains England at the under-21 European Championship. His absence reflects the emphasis on youth development within the club and highlights Guardiola’s balancing act between nurturing young talent and maintaining a competitive first-team squad.
Manchester City’s Club World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Marcus Bettinelli, Stefan Ortega, Éderson
Defenders: Rúben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Aké, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Vitor Reis, Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis
Midfielders: Nico Gonzalez, Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Ilkay Gündogan, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes, Rayan Cherki, Claudio Echeverri, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Nico O’Reilly
Forwards: Omar Marmoush, Erling Haaland, Savinho, Jérémy Doku
